RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effects of Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy in Patients With COPD

This research study aims to find out if using a special breathing device, called Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy, can improve symptoms and breathing for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Specifically, the researchers want to know if OPEP therapy can reduce the impact of coughing and improve how the lungs work. Participants with COPD will have tests at the start, then use the OPEP device twice a day at home for four weeks, and then have the same tests again to see if there are any improvements. The study will help us understand if this non-drug treatment can make a real difference for those with COPD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Enrolment target

Start

22 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

COPD

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new way to help people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often known as COPD. COPD can make breathing difficult and lead to a lot of coughing and phlegm. The researchers want to see if a special breathing device, called Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy, can make these symptoms better and improve how well a person's lungs are working. This is not a medication study; it's looking at a device that helps clear airways.

The main questions this study wants to answer are: Can OPEP therapy reduce how much coughing affects people with COPD? And can it improve the way their lungs move air, which is measured by a special test called oscillometry? By looking at these things, the study hopes to find out if OPEP therapy is a helpful tool for managing COPD.

To find these answers, people taking part will use the OPEP device at home for four weeks. Researchers will compare their cough symptoms and lung measurements before they start using the device and after they've used it for the four weeks. This will help them understand if the OPEP therapy is making a positive change.

Key takeaways

This study explores a potential new way to manage COPD symptoms.
It focuses on a breathing device, not medication.
Participants will use a daily device at home for four weeks.
The goal is to see if it improves cough and breathing.
Your participation could help others with COPD in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 40 years old. You should have a diagnosis of COPD, confirmed by a breathing test called spirometry, and your doctor should have identified your COPD as 'mild' to 'very severe'.

Another important requirement is that you experience chronic bronchitis, which means you often produce phlegm or cough up mucus for more than two days a week, and this has been happening for at least two years. You also need to be able to do all the breathing tests without needing extra oxygen and be able to understand and agree to take part in the study.

However, you can't join if you don't have COPD, or if you have other serious lung conditions like bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis. You also can't have had a bad flare-up of your lung symptoms or been in hospital for them in the past four weeks. If you've recently used an OPEP device or been in a lung rehabilitation program in the last four weeks, you won't be able to participate either.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with COPD by a doctor, and is it considered mild, moderate, severe, or very severe?
Do you often cough up phlegm or mucus (what doctors call 'chronic bronchitis phenotype')?
Can you do breathing tests without needing extra oxygen?
Have you avoided using an OPEP device or attending a lung rehabilitation program in the past 4 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will start with an in-person visit where you’ll have a few tests. These tests will include measuring your cough symptoms and how your lungs are working. After these initial tests, you'll receive a 'smart' OPEP device to take home.

You will then be asked to use this OPEP device at home at least twice a day for a period of four consecutive weeks. The 'smart' device will help track your usage. After these four weeks of using the device, you will return for a final in-person visit. During this visit, the researchers will repeat the same tests you had at the beginning to see if there have been any changes or improvements. The total duration of your active participation, from your first visit to your last, will be about four weeks, plus the time for initial and final appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer potential benefits, such as a better understanding of how a special breathing device could help manage your COPD symptoms, particularly coughing and breathing difficulties. While generally safe, OPEP therapy can occasionally cause minor side effects, like feeling lightheaded or uncomfortable at first, though serious risks are rare. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

McGill University Health Centre
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is OPEP therapy?

OPEP therapy uses a small device that helps you breathe out against a gentle pressure, often creating a vibration. This can help loosen and clear mucus from your lungs.

How long will I need to use the device?

You will need to use the OPEP device at home for four weeks, at least twice a day.

Will I have to take any new medications?

No, this study is about a breathing device, not new medications. It's considered a 'non-pharmacologic' treatment.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have tests to measure your cough symptoms and how your lungs are working, including a special breathing test called oscillometry.

Do I have to pay to participate?

No, you do not have to pay to participate in the study.

How to find out more

Bryan A. Ross, MD, MSc (Physiol), MSc (Epi)

bryan.ross@mcgill.ca (514) 843-1465 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.